Staying on one side?

[JMurphy97]

About a week ago I added another hide spot on the other side of the cage for my ball python. It is a small drawer organizer that I cut one side off so he could go in. I have it buried under bark chips so it's kinda got the underground burrow type deal. On the hot side I have a hide-a-way log I bought from the pet shop. It has openings on two sides and has open room when the snake is hiding under it. It is also on top of the bark chips, not underground. The drawer organizer has not much room when it is hiding under it. I'm using a ceramic heat emitter hooked up to a thermostat for heat on the hot side and the temp is about 91F if I max it put but I like to keep it around 88F and the low side is about 78F-80F. Is the reason because it's too hot on the warm side or he feels more secure in that other hide spot? If it is I could go get another of the organizer or I see people use flower pot water dishes. What do you all think?

[JMurphy97]

I also should put that before I added the second hide it would stay under the log. At this time I had a regular spot bulb on it and the temp would get into the 90's close to 100. But since I got the C.H.E. with the thermostat that has changed but he still stays there.

[JMurphy97]

Anyone???

[Kenzie]

Why don't you try switching the hides? This would let you know if it is the heat or the sense of security the hide gives.

[JMurphy97]

That's a good idea. Thanks.

[telefrag]

the ball pythons I have never sit on the hot side, and the air temp and surface temp are around 78.

Only when the female is gravid, have I seen her sit on it for more than a few minutes, and it keeps the suface temp near 88.

maybe its too hot...

ball pythons like to hide underground where the temps are probably in the 70's in their wild habitats, just keep that in mind.


I've said it probably 900 times now, but most people are keeping their snakes way too warm.
but thats just my opinion.

[snakebitten69]

my balls also stay on the cool side! my male ball is allway up looking around his cage! my female dont move much. it may be the new cage she is in! when she was in the glass tank she was up all nite moving around!

[JMesser]

I have a BP also, but he is always on the warmer side, maybe the snake just likes the hide spot? Try switching them tho maybe it will tell u something..

[brownsfan222]

the warm side is probably a little too warm, try bringing it down to about 85-87 and see what happens then, btw try changing the half-log hide and making another "underground hide" because the snake probably likes it more because almost no light can get in